If you want to go fast on pump gas you already put limitations on yourself....
Go with the biggest engine you can so that leaves BIG BLOCK.
I cant see how a 540 or bigger with 440-1 or edelbrocks cant go mid 9's
Two things to go fast easily.... 1 lightweight 2 BIG inches...No replacement for displacement
Not sure if you will say but what does your car run off of NOS???
current engine in the car now, went 9.69 with 28* timing at 3550lbs Im sure with moire timing and a little looser converter and more gear, it would be mid nine sec car. BUT it does not run on pump gas.